MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Western Michigan fifth-year libero Andelyn Simkins recorded the 2,000th dig of her collegiate career on Thursday evening as the Broncos dropped a 3-0 decision (25-23, 25-18, 25-21) at Central Michigan.
 
FINAL SCORE: Central Michigan 3, Western Michigan 0
LOCATION: McGuirk Arena (Mount Pleasant, Mich.)
RECORDS: Western Michigan (7-11, 3-4 MAC) | Central Michigan (15-5, 6-2)
 
Simkins tied for the team lead with 11 digs for the night and reached the 2,000-mark in the third set. The Schoolcraft, Mich., native is the fourth Bronco in program history to reach 2,000 career digs.
 
Carley Piercefield also had 11 digs for the Brown and Gold, while Elana Erickson recorded 10. Logan Case handed out 31 assists and chipped in nine digs, narrowly missing out on a double-double. Madison Merz and Julia Marr tallied eight kills apiece to pace WMU's attack.
 
The first set was tight throughout and featured 14 ties. Neither team led by more than two until a late three-point burst put Central Michigan up 22-18. The Broncos grabbed four of the next five to close the gap to one, 23-22, but the Chippewas were able to squeak out the frame, 25-23.
 
With the second set even at 5-5, CMU went on an 8-2 run to open up a 13-7 advantage. The Chippewas extended the margin to 19-12 before a three-point spurt brought WMU back to within four, 19-15. That was as close as Western Michigan got for the remainder of the frame and Central Michigan took a 2-0 lead into the break.
 
After the Broncos got out to a 4-2 edge in the third, CMU countered with five of the next six to climb in front, 7-5. Central Michigan remained on top until a 5-2 stretch got the Brown and Gold back level at 17-17. Tied again at 18-18, the Chippewas notched three of the next four to regain a 21-19 advantage. WMU trimmed the deficit back to one, 22-21, but the hosts rattled off the final three points of the night to complete the victory.
 
Western Michigan continues its in-state trip on Friday evening as it visits Eastern Michigan. First serve between the Broncos and Eagles is slated for 7:30 pm on ESPN+.